The Jean Kvamme Center for Adaptive Riding
Felton, California
The Jean Kvamme Center for Adaptive Riding is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit therapeutic riding center in Felton, California, in the San Lorenzo Valley. It offers private and group therapeutic riding lessons year-round, along with social and life skills programs, camps, school field trips and a veterans program.
- Private and group therapeutic riding lessons
- Interactive (adaptive) vaulting
- Life Skills With Horses
- Hangout social program for young adults
- Herd Sense equine-assisted learning for AAC users
- Summer and seasonal half-day camps
- Veterans program, mounted and unmounted
- Private pediatric occupational therapy incorporating equine movement
- Riders of all ages and ability levels (camps)
- Young adults (Hangout program)
- Teens 14 and up (Life Skills With Horses)
- People who use AAC devices
- Veterans with PTSD or service-related injuries
- Children ages 4 to 18 (occupational therapy)
- Local special needs classrooms (field trips)
More about this center
About the Program
The center opened in 2015 as Lichen Oaks Adaptive Riding Center and now carries the name of its founder, Jean Kvamme, who served as founder and executive director until her death in 2020. According to its website, lessons are adapted to each rider's goals, developmental level and stamina.
Its staff page lists several PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors, including the program director. Pediatric occupational therapist Regan Clementi offers private OT sessions at the center that incorporate equine movement, for ages 4 to 18; a physician's prescription is required.
The Facility
The ranch has a nine-stall barn, a 20,000-square-foot outdoor arena and a 10,000-square-foot covered arena with redwood walls. The website says sessions are never cancelled due to weather because of the covered arena.
Getting Started
New riders contact the center to schedule a tour and a one-hour evaluation, then complete the enrollment forms posted on its website. Volunteers are trained before working with riders; email info@kvammecenter.org to apply.
Location
The center is off East Zayante Road in Felton, Santa Cruz County. Its mailing address is 114 Quail Hollow Road, Felton, CA 95018, but the website notes that gate is locked and gives driving directions via East Zayante Road. The entrance is gated, so email ahead to arrange a visit.
From public records, not yet reviewed by the center · Last updated Oct 2026 Suggest an edit
Common Questions
Answered from the center’s own website and public records.
How much do lessons cost?
As listed on its website, a 30-minute private lesson is $80, a 1-hour private lesson is $100 and a 1-hour group lesson is $80 per student. The center says a sliding scale and sponsorships may be available case by case. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
How do we get started?
Call (831) 335-2347 or email info@kvammecenter.org to schedule a tour and a one-hour evaluation, which may or may not include riding.
Do lessons run all year?
Yes. The center says it teaches year-round except some holidays, and its covered arena keeps sessions running in rain or sun.
Location
Felton, California 95018
Questions to Ask When You Call
The center is the best source for these answers.
- Are you running now, and taking new riders?Start here. We couldn’t confirm a current schedule.
- Which ages and needs do you work with?Ask about experience with your rider’s specific condition.
- Is a licensed PT, OT or speech therapist involved?Therapist-led hippotherapy is usually the only kind insurance may cover.
- What does a session cost, and are there scholarships?Many nonprofit programs offer sliding scales or sponsored spots.
- Do you have a mounting ramp or lift?Important for riders who use a wheelchair or need help mounting.